By Te Kahui Mihiata o Hinemanu Barclay-Kerr

My name is Te Kahui Mihiata o Hinemanu Barclay-Kerr, and I am a second-year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology, with minors in Kaupapa Māori Psychology and Pacific Indigenous Studies.

I decided to go on an exchange to expand my perspective by experiencing how people from another country think and nurture their culture. This opportunity will allow me to explore different ways of learning and deepen my cultural knowledge beyond what I’ve studied so far. I chose the University of Hawai’i at Hilo because of its unique approach to Pacific Indigenous Studies and the chance to learn directly from a community with rich Indigenous heritage.

Through this exchange, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and their perspectives on Pacific Indigenous issues. Additionally, I look forward to building meaningful friendships and connections with students and locals in Hilo, enriching both my academic journey and personal growth.